FREE multi-media workshops and showcase events for teenagers at the Mayor’s Thames Festival 2010. Participants can use the latest technology, share ideas and creative skills and learn from media-industry professionals in the mobile creative village.

Highlights include:
· Pop Poetry – work with poet Luke Wright to create your own piece of sharp, entertaining poetry. Luke has performed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, hosted Latitude’s poetry arena (the largest poetry event in Europe) and has become one of the poets-in-residence on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live.
· Music Industry Speed Networking - get some expert advice from a major agent, top publisher, tour manager, music journalist, DJ and more in this exclusive event.
· Dr. Who Game Design Competition Workshop - Blast has teamed up with Doctor Who to challenge young designers to help produce an online game for the Sarah Jane Adventures website! Get expert tips on creating a spaceship design and sound effects for the Krulius character, and then enter the competition.

Other exciting workshops on offer include:
· Performance: Try Zumba and Bollywood Fusion dance classes or Guerrilla Physicality Theatre - a fast paced, dynamic acting workshop with award winning company, Tangled Feet. Develop your talent and build confidence in spoken word, comedy improvisation and circus skills workshops.
· Music Workshops: Beginners can create their own songs, while those already making electronic music can learn how to produce an exciting live set. Learn the basics of live sound engineering and help create a three camera video film mix.
· Multi-media: Hone your skills in the TV Presenting Masterclass or radio reporting, DJing and programme making sessions; make a short film with advice from experts; play with TV Special Effects or design your own 3D or Alternate Reality game.
· Free your artistic side and have a go at album artwork design, puppetry and clay modelling, stop frame (Wallace and Gromit style) animation, Manga character creation, abstract and creative art, or join photography and fashion sessions.

A selection of work created at the event will be shown at the Talent Showcase on Sunday 12 September at 5pm, where you can get to see the future stars of the area showing off their new skills!

All workshops are free – see www.bbc.co.uk/blast/events or email: Blast-LondonThamesFestival@bbc.co.uk for more info & to sign up.

Blast is the BBC’s youth creativity service. From first-timers to emerging artists, Blast gives teenagers the chance to try out new skills, showcase their own work and find out more about working in the creative industries. Each year the BBC takes Blast out on tour, giving young people the opportunity to get some hands-on experience and training in a wide variety of free multi-media workshops. Last year, Blast engaged over 170,000 teenagers in face-to-face activities throughout the UK.